ESTHER: Gates 1 & 2

King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ, be forever glorified!

Welcome in God’s grace. Today, we study the Book of Esther, beginning with chapters 1 and 2. It’s recommended to have your Bible at hand to follow along. As we know, the Old Covenant (Old Testament) serves as a shadow of the New Covenant. Every story in the Old Testament reveals spiritual truths that remain relevant to our lives today (Hebrews 10:1).

The Book of Esther briefly narrates the story of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire. He was extremely wealthy and powerful, ruling over 127 provinces—from India to Cush (Ethiopia)—making him virtually a king over the world at that time.

At one point, King Ahasuerus held a grand feast for all his officials and citizens in Shushan (Susa). During the celebration, he ordered Queen Vashti to appear before the guests to display her beauty. The Bible describes Vashti as exceedingly beautiful; her name itself means “beautiful” (Esther 1:11).

However, Vashti disobeyed the king. She refused to come, asserting her dignity and independence. This act of defiance was seen as a great shame, as it was culturally inappropriate for a woman to disobey the king. Consequently, Vashti was deposed, and a search for a new queen began (Esther 1:19):

“So the king’s decree went out, and it was written in the laws of the Medes and Persians, which could not be repealed, that Vashti should not come before King Ahasuerus, and that the king gave her royal position to another who was better than she.”

Young women from all over the empire were brought to the king’s palace, including Esther. They came from various social backgrounds—some wealthy, some noble, others learned or from common families. Perhaps 30,000 or more were gathered.

Each woman was given freedom to prepare herself as she wished, provided she followed the instructions of Hegai, the king’s eunuch overseeing the women (Esther 2:1-4). Esther, too, was placed under Hegai’s care.

Why did Esther succeed where others might not?

The Bible does not describe her as the most beautiful or from a wealthy or royal family. Instead, she had a meek and humble spirit, following the guidance of her guardian, Mordecai (her uncle), and Hegai. Esther obeyed Mordecai’s instructions to not reveal her heritage, nor to boast, which gained her favor (Esther 2:8-9).

This shows a spiritual principle: God honors humility, obedience, and discretion over pride, social status, or outward beauty (1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 16:18).

Theological Significance:

The story of Esther is a foreshadowing of Christ and the Church:

King Ahasuerus represents Jesus Christ, the King of kings.

Queen Vashti symbolizes Israel, the nation that initially rejected God’s Messiah.

Esther represents the true Bride of Christ, chosen and pleasing to Him.

Other young women represent various denominations or sects claiming God’s favor.

Hegai and Mordecai symbolize the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, guiding the Bride in preparation.

Just as Israel rejected Jesus (Matthew 23:37), the kingdom turned to the Gentiles, preparing the way for the Bride of Christ—those who remain humble and obedient under God’s Word.

Key Principles for the Bride of Christ:

Humility and obedience: Esther did not boast or reveal her family background, reflecting that God values humility and submission (Philippians 2:3-4).

Following God’s guidance: Esther obeyed Mordecai and Hegai, paralleling the necessity for believers to follow the Word and the Spirit rather than denominational traditions (John 14:26).

Purity and preparation: Esther remained pure, preparing herself spiritually and physically, which foreshadows the Church’s call to holiness (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Warning Against Denominational Pride:

Today, many denominations claim to be the “true bride” of Christ—Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc. While each may have elements of truth, the Bible teaches there is only one true Bride: the Church that humbly submits to Christ and follows His Word through the Spirit, not human traditions (Revelation 19:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).

Disobedience or reliance on denominational identity can disqualify one from being the Bride of Christ. Just as ignoring Hegai’s guidance (the Word and Spirit) would have disqualified Esther, neglecting God’s Word today disqualifies a believer (Matthew 25:1-13).

Application:

Remove denominational pride and follow Christ as He is, not through human traditions.

Submit fully to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Pursue humility, purity, and obedience as Esther did.

Scripture References Highlighted in the Teaching:

Esther 1:11, 19; 2:1-4, 8-9

Hebrews 10:1

Jeremiah 3:14

Matthew 23:37-39

Philippians 2:3-4

John 14:26

1 Corinthians 1:2

2 Corinthians 11:2

Revelation 19:7

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